European Union environment ministers today reaffirmed the bloc’s commitment to slash greenhouse gas emissions by 90% by 2040, compared to 1990 levels -one of the world’s most ambitious long-term climate goals, said a press release.
Under the plan, up to 5% of the reductions may come from carbon offsets outside the EU, with ministers agreeing to periodically review the approach as global climate rules evolve.
Ministers also endorsed the European Commission’s earlier proposal for the EU’s 2035 nationally determined contribution (NDC), aiming for 66.25% to 72.5% emission cuts from 1990 levels. The NDC is expected to shape negotiations at COP30 in Belém, Brazil, next week.
WRI: EU showing ambition but sending mixed signals
Reacting to the announcement, Stientje van Veldhoven, Vice President and Regional Director for Europe at the World Resources Institute (WRI), welcomed the ambition but warned that uncertainty surrounding the implementation could undermine climate competitiveness.
“The EU’s 90% target reflects the level of ambition this moment demands and stands out as one of the most ambitious commitments in the world,” she said. “Finalizing it ahead of COP30 signals the bloc’s determination to confront the climate crisis.”
However, she noted that the EU risks sending mixed signals, especially with plans to revise or postpone ETS-2, and the possibility of allowing additional offsets, which could weaken business confidence.
WRI analysis finds that the EU must achieve at least a 72.5% cut by 2035 to stay aligned with the 1.5°C pathway.
“Falling short would create an unmanageable gap and undermine investor confidence,” van Veldhoven warned.
Offset use must be strictly regulated
She stressed that any use of carbon credits should include strong social and environmental safeguards, full transparency, and proof that reductions are truly additional.
Ahead of COP30: Ambition must translate into action
As the EU prepares for COP30, WRI urged the bloc to back its ambition with concrete policies:
“Europe must come to COP30 ready to deliver , with tools, commitments, and measures needed to turn ambition into action and encourage others to do the same.”
